Tessa, lovingly nicknamed “Voldemort” by those closest to her, was born with an incredibly rare condition called complete congenital arhinia — meaning she was born without a nose. While her appearance may be different, her story is a powerful reminder that beauty comes in all forms, and that true uniqueness lies in our spirit, not our looks.
Only a handful of people in the world have arhinia, a condition where the nose doesn’t develop in the womb. In Tessa’s case, it also means she doesn’t have the ability to smell, since the olfactory system in the brain is missing too. But even in the face of these rare challenges, Tessa has shown extraordinary strength and joy from the very beginning.
Her parents, Grainne and Nathan Evans, found out something was different during a routine ultrasound around 20 weeks into the pregnancy. Seeing the facial anomaly was emotional and overwhelming, but after the initial shock, they committed to supporting their daughter with all the love and care in the world.
Right after birth, Tessa was rushed to the NICU and given a tracheotomy to help her breathe. At just 11 months old, she also had cataract surgery. Despite these early setbacks, she never stopped smiling.
At age two, she underwent a key procedure where doctors placed small implants under her skin to eventually support a prosthetic nose. It was a carefully thought-out step by her parents, intended to help her transition into a more typical appearance over time, especially once she’s older and her face stops growing.
Even with all these medical challenges, Tessa continues to thrive. She’s learned to breathe through her mouth and doesn’t let the lack of smell slow her down. Her happiness and enthusiasm for life shine through, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who meets her.
Tessa’s story has inspired people around the globe. She shows us that real beauty isn’t about having a perfect face — it’s about bravery, strength, and the love that surrounds us. Her journey is a shining example of how the human spirit can overcome anything.
In a world that can often feel negative or judgmental, Tessa reminds us what really matters: compassion, courage, and never giving up.
